Don Mahan Selected For NSUBA’s First Outstanding Senior Award

BROKEN ARROW – Don Mahan was the recipient the first Outstanding Senior Award, or Jack Kaufman award, on the campus of Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow at a special ceremony held Friday, April 6.

The award, presented by the NSU Alumni Association, honors seniors who have exemplified the spirit of NSU through scholarship, volunteering, community and campus service.

“Don is an excellent representative of Northeastern’s leaders on the Broken Arrow campus,” said Anita Thompson, Alumni Association director. “We’re proud to recognize this talented, driven and intelligent student as the first recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award on the Broken Arrow campus.”

The prestigious award is named in honor of the late Jack Kaufman, a lifelong philanthropist dedicated to NSU. Kaufman began elementary school in 1915 at Northeastern State Normal School, where his father was a custodian in Seminary Hall. Fifteen years later, he completed his bachelor of science degree in education and began his teaching career. From that point on, his career and life were dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. Kaufman never forgot his roots and was one of NSU's most active and influential alumni. He took great pride in helping and watching students of all ages accomplish their goals and find success.

Mahan is a member of the National Association of Student Social Workers, Phi Alpha Honor Society, The National Center for Fathering, National Father-Daughter Summit board, Tulsa Fatherhood Coalition board; volunteer for the Tulsa Fatherhood Celebration; coordinator for the Eastern Oklahoma Father of the Year Essay Contest; founder of the Broken Arrow Father of the Year Essay Contest and CPR Ministries; director of Stepping Stones Ministry; and an instructor for the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative.

A non-traditional student, Mahan will graduate Monday, May 7 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.